Krystal Metcalfe Aims To Make The Music Industry More Inclusive
Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer
One genre should not be mutually exclusive to one specific group of people.
Meet Chicago-based, ELECTRIFYING Rock and Soul artist, Krystal Metcalfe! A native of St. Louis, Mo., Krystal’s passion for music began at a very young age. Her main influences being Soul singer Aretha Franklin, powerhouse Chaka Khan, and Queen. With much discipline and practice, she’s acquired the ability to skillfully cross-pollinate Rock and Soul to create her own unique sound. Vocalo radio describes her as “A breath of fresh air mixed with a bolt of lightning”! While Afropunk says her voice has the ability to soar! Her release of her debut Ep “In Real Life” earned Krystal a music placement on Showtimes “America To Me” series as well as a 2019 Chicago Music Award nomination, a feature in the Chicago Tribune, Several appearances on Windy City Live, JBTV, as well as a new artist spotlight in Jet magazine. She’s also partnered with high-end brands Lexus, and Hyatt.
Krystal was named one of the Redeye’s “Top 15 Chicago artist to watch for 2015”. She’s also played venues such as House of Blues, Lincoln Hall, Mamby on the Beach, Taste of Chicago, and Blueberry Hill. Krystal is gearing up for a new Fearless EP release in Summer 2019. With many more magical happenings in the near future, Krystal Metcalfe is a rising star ready to do her part to change the world, one stage at a time.
Why do you do what you do?
Music lives in me. I have no other choice. Music uplifts me, calms me, brings me peace. Creating music takes it to another level. Performing live allows me to find a release, as well as uplift, and create a sense of escapism for my audience.
What are you trying to change in your industry and why?
It is my hope to change the way women are viewed in the music industry. I want to take back music so that POC are welcomed in all spaces. May it be rock and roll, country, indie. One genre should not be mutually exclusive to one specific group of people. I want to create outside the box and create more opportunities for women.
What got you into your line of work?
Really my parents. I remember them taking my sister and I to musicals when we were children. We would see Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, etc. From there I started singing in church, and that was my foundation.
What is the hardest part of being a working professional?
The hardest thing about being a working professional to me would be being consistent in the face of adversity. Being an independent artist, there are so many challenges. You have to know your why, and let that motivate you to keep moving forward. Also, budgets. lol
What are the 5 tips you would like to share?
I don’t know if I have five, but I heard one tip this year, and it hit me so hard. It’s from the Queen movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”. The quote says, “Bands don’t fail. They quit.” That’s a word.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Listen to my latest single ‘Fearless’, available on all platforms. Also, my EP ‘Fear Less’ will be available soon.
